Manager Pressured Me Into Not Using Wc For Injury (nc)

I received a moderate injury to my face at work on 12/13/24 which required me to go to the ER. My manager drove me to the ER and while she was with me asked if she could just pay out of pocket for the medical bills instead of filing for workers comp. I was in shock with blood running down my face at the time. Since it was also a new job I felt super pressured to say yes, so I reluctantly did.

My manager paid around $400 of up front costs at the ER itself on a company card and told me to send her the bills for the rest. I sent her the bills two weeks ago and she hasn't paid them yet. I sent them again yesterday and am going to follow up with her in person today. I'm getting worried that she may not be planning to pay them.

Am I able to file a workers comp claim without her being involved if she doesn't pay? I'd be worried if I went through her the paperwork wouldn't be sent in. Do I have a deadline to file?

I'm planning on leaving this job in a number of weeks because I've decided the high risk of injury in this field isn't worth it anymore.